Easy Ingredient Chia Pudding

There are a TON of chia seed recipes out there (and I have dozens posted here on EBF), but if you’re chia seed newbie, chia pudding is an awesome place to start because you’ll get a real sense of their absorption power, the gel-like texture chia seeds create and their ability to help keep you full.

To make chia pudding, you really only need two simple ingredients: chia seeds and milk. I like using non-dairy options like almond milk, oat milk or coconut milk, but any type of milk will work. Once you have the basic recipe you can add spices, sweetener and toppings to really boost the flavor of your pudding!

Why is Chia Pudding Healthy?

Chia pudding is incredibly healthy because chia seeds are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants and fiber. The soluble fiber in chia seeds can help with weight loss by keeping you feeling full and it can also help with constipation. So in case you were wondering, chia pudding can definitely help keep you regular, if you know I what mean! Learn more about the health benefits of chia seeds here.

How to Make Chia Pudding (3 Steps)

1. The process of making chia pudding is so easy! The first step is to stir together your chia seeds and milk in a mason jar or bowl. I usually do 3-4 Tablespoons of chia seeds to 1 cup of liquid.
2. Once the chia pudding mixture is well combined, let it sit for 5 minutes, give it another stir/shake to break up any clumps of chia seeds, cover and put the mixture in the fridge to “set” for 1-2 hours or overnight.
3. The chia pudding should be nice and thick, not liquidy. If it’s not thick, just add more chia seeds (1 teaspoon to 1 Tablespoon), stir and refrigerate for another 30 minutes or so.

Watch How to Make Chia Pudding

Chia Pudding Chia to Liquid Ratio

I’ve found the perfect chia pudding consistency is 3 or 4 Tablespoons of chia seeds to 1 cup of milk. I usually start with 3 Tablespoons of chia seeds to 1 cup of milk, but if you want a thicker pudding I recommend using 4 Tablespoons to 1 cup of milk.

The type of milk is up to you and will vary based on preference and dietary restrictions. I love using non-dairy milks like almond milk, oat milk and coconut milk. Unsweetened almond milk is the lowest in calories and sugar so if you want a simple, low calorie, low sugar chia pudding this is the best option to choose.

Full-fat canned coconut milk is great if you’re looking to increase the thickness and make a really filling breakfast, snack or dessert out of the chia pudding. It’s also a great option if you follow a low carb or keto diet.

Chia Seed Pudding Troubleshooting

If you’re having trouble getting your chia pudding to set up or turn out correctly there could be a couple things going wrong. Here are a couple tips that might help!

1. Make sure you’re using chia seeds and not some other type of seed! There are white and black chia seeds and both work for chia pudding, but no other seeds will work. Also, check that your chia seeds aren’t old and maybe try switching brands. I’ve heard complaints from several people that the Trader Joe’s chia seeds don’t absorb as much liquid as other brands. If you’re having trouble with chia seeds from Trader Joe’s, try buying another brand.
2. Make sure you give your chia pudding a good stir about 5-10 minutes after you initially mix it together. This breaks up any clumps of seeds and helps ensure the mixture will set. If you don’t do this, sometimes all the chia seeds will clump at the bottom and you’ll be left with lots of liquid on top instead of a well combined, creamy pudding.
3. If your chia pudding isn’t thick enough, just add more chia seeds to the mixture and let it sit a bit longer. You can also use a thicker milk. Full-fat canned coconut milk creates an ultra thick and creamy chia pudding.
4. If you hate the texture of chia pudding, try blending it in a high powered blender like a Vitamix. Once blended, the mixture will be smooth and creamy like a regular pudding instead of a bit seedy like tapioca pudding.

What Does Chia Pudding Taste Like?

Chia seeds have no flavor so the pudding will taste like whatever liquid and sweetener you’re using. If you want the pudding to have a bit of sweetness you can add sweet spices like cinnamon and cardamom, vanilla extract and your sweetener of choice.

As for the texture, it’s like a thick, creamy tapioca pudding if you just mix the chia seeds with your milk. If you’re looking for a smooth pudding texture you can blend the mixture in a high powdered blender until smooth. I do this for my chocolate chia pudding and pumpkin mousse recipes.

I’m a big fan of maple syrup for sweetness so my basic chia pudding recipe has vanilla and maple syrup added. Honey is a great option if you’re paleo and if you need a sugar-free option, just skip the sweeteners all together or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit The vanilla is optional, but something I like to add for a little extra sweetness.